ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Prime Minister's Office
PM interacts with Google CEO Sundar Pichai
Google CEO appreciates PM’s leadership in the battle against the pandemic in India
Google CEO briefs PM on Google’s large investment plans in India
Technology has been of great benefit for farmers; immense potential of AI in agriculture: PM
Use of technology to expand the scope of online education and increasing access to technology in native language discussed
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with Google CEO Shri Sundar Pichai via video conferencing earlier today.
Shri Pichai briefed the Prime Minister about the efforts undertaken by Google to help spread awareness and provide reliable information about COVID-19. He said that the strong step of Lockdown initiated by the Prime Minister set up a very strong foundation of India’s battle against the pandemic. Prime Minister appreciated the proactive role played by Google in battling misinformation and conveying information about necessary precautions. He also talked about further leveraging technology in providing healthcare services.
Prime Minister said that Indians are adjusting to and adopting technology at a rapid pace. He talked about farmers benefiting from technology and the possible wide-ranging benefits of AI in agriculture. Prime Minister explored the idea of virtual labs that can be used by students as well as farmers. Sundar Pichai briefed the PM about new products and initiatives by Google in the country. He mentioned about the launch of AI Research Lab in Bengaluru, while also highlighting the benefits of Google's flood forecasting efforts.
Prime Minister was briefed about Google’s plan to launch a large investment fund and develop strategic partnerships in India. Prime Minister remarked that India is amongst the most open economies in the world. He also spoke about recent steps taken by the government towards reforming agriculture and about the campaign to create new jobs, while also highlighting the importance of re-skilling.
Prime Minister discussed the issue of data security and concerns around privacy. He said that tech companies need to put in efforts to bridge the trust deficit. He also talked about cyber crimes and threats in the form of cyber attacks. Other areas of discussion included technological solutions to expand the scope of online education,access to technology in native language, use of AR/VR to give a stadium-like viewing experience in the field of sports, and progress in the area of digital payments.
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves acquisition of entire shareholding in Air Asia India by Air India
The Competition Commission of India  approves acquisition of entire shareholding in Air Asia India by Air India
The proposed combination envisages the acquisition of the entire equity share capital of AirAsia  Private Limited  by Air India Ltd. , an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of TSPL. At present, TSPL holds 83.67% of the equity share capital of Air Asia India.
AIL, along with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Air India Express Limited , is primarily engaged in the business of providing  domestic scheduled air passenger transport service,  international scheduled air passenger transport service,  air cargo transport services in India, and  charter flight services in India.
Air Asia India is a joint venture between TSPL and Air India Investment Limited  with TSPL presently holding 83.67% and AAIL holding 16.33% of the shareholding. Air Asia India operates under the brand name “AirAsia”. It is engaged in the business of providing the following services:  domestic scheduled air passenger transport service,  air cargo transport services, and  charter flight services in India. AirAsia India does not provide scheduled air passenger transport services on international routes.
Detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee on his Punya Tithi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee on his Punya Tithi.
“मां भारती के महान सपूत डॉ. श्यामा प्रसाद मुखर्जी को उनकी पुण्यतिथि पर शत-शत नमन।“, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
NIPCCD organizes training programme for State Level master Trainer on ‘Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi’ at Regional Centre, Lucknow
A Training Programme on ‘Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi’ was organized for State Level Master Trainers for the Districts of West Singbhum & Budaun from 24- 25 August, 2023 at NIPCCD Regional Centre, Lucknow. 26 Participants attended the Programme.
The Programme focused on importance of Early Childhood Education:
- Improving Concentration
- Understanding the Fund of learning
- Acquiring Social Skills
- Exploring Brain Capacity
- Promoting positive Behaviour
- Investing in Health.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
WATER SCARCITY
Since August 2019, Government of India, in partnership with States, is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission -Har Ghar Jal to enable every rural household in the country to have assured potable water through tap connection.
At the time of announcement of Jal Jeevan Mission, 3.23 Crore  rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by States/ UTs as on 31.07.2023, around 9.46 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections. Thus, as on 31.07.2023, out of 19.43 Crore rural households in the country, around 12.69 Crore  households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes and the remaining 6.74 Crore are to be covered.
Under the mission, provisions have been made for source recharging, viz. dedicated bore well recharge structures, rainwater recharge, rejuvenation of existing water bodies, etc., in convergence with other schemes such as MGNREGS, Integrated Watershed Management Programme , 15th Finance Commission tied grants to RLBs/ PRIs, State schemes, CSR funds, etc.
Further, for supplementing the efforts of the States, the Central Government has taken various steps for sustainable ground water management in the country. Details are available at:
https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3a70dc40477bc2adceef4d2c90f47eb82/uploads/2023/02/2023021742.pdf
In addition, to deal with the impact of climate change on the water sector, the National Water Mission under this Ministry has launched the State Specific Action Plan. The State Specific Action Plans essentially consist of:
- Preparation of status report on the present situation of water resources development and management, water governance, Institutional arrangements, water-related policies, cross-boundary issues and agreements etc. of the State/Union Territory. The document should also define problems/issues related to all the aspects of water resources specific to the State.
- Identifying a set of probable solutions to address the key issues/ problem areas giving pros and cons of the solutions.
- Preparation of a detailed Action Plan for each of the strategies/activities identified in the NWM to be implemented by the State/Union territory.
Dynamic Ground Water Resources of the country are being periodically assessed jointly by Central Ground Water Board  and State Governments. As per the 2020 assessment, out of the total 6965 assessment units  in the country, 1114 units in 15 States/UTs have been categorized as 'Overexploited' where the Annual Ground Water Extraction is more than Annual Extractable Ground Water Resource.
The complete groundwater resource information including details of Over-exploited assessment units for the entire country  can be seen at:
http://cgwb.gov.in/documents/2021-08-02-GWRA_India_2020.pdf
This information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Improvement of National Highways in North Bengal
Under Bharat Mala Pariyojana, 5067 Km length of roads has been identified for providing connection to Backward, Religious and Tourist places. It is intended that these projects shall be taken up through various executing agencies such as National Highways Authority of India , State PWDs and National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited  as per available resources and inter-se-priority of works for National Highways .
The Road Transport & Highways Ministry has received no specific plan for creating linkages of all small towns and villages in North Bengal to Major trade hubs through National Highways. However, improvement of 136 km National Highways at an estimated cost of Rs. 2440 crore is in progress and 4 laning of 29.41 km National Highways in North Bengal is to be taken up in 2019-20. Besides, preparation of Detailed Project Reports  for improvement of 686 km National Highways has been taken up in West Bengal.
At present, 7 projects of aggregate length of 345.4 km on NH 34 are in progress and all these projects are targeted for completion by December 2021.
This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves acquisition of Indiabulls Asset Management Company Limited and Indiabulls Trustee Company Limited by Nextbillion Technology Private Limited
The Competition Commission of India  approves acquisition of Indiabulls Asset Management Company Limited and Indiabulls Trustee Company Limited by Nextbillion Technology Private Limited.
The proposed combination envisages acquisition of 100% of the shareholding of Indiabulls Asset Management Company Limited  and Indiabulls Trustee Company Limited .
Nextbillion Technology Private Limited is a stockbroker and depository participant. It is also registered with Association of Mutual Funds in India as a mutual fund distributor. It is engaged in providing an online platform named Groww that allows investors to invest, inter alia, in mutual funds and stocks.
Indiabulls AMC is a subsidiary of the Indiabulls Housing Finance. Presently, Indiabulls AMC has 3 business verticals viz. mutual fund business , alternate investment fund business  and portfolio management business . It provides asset management services to Indiabulls Mutual Fund  and operating/ managing its schemes. Indiabulls Trustee is engaged in providing trusteeship services to the Indiabulls MF.
Detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Ministry of Railways
TWO NEW SPECIAL TRAINS FOR WORLD CUP HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
ECoR to run two new Special Trains, daily
Special Trains to ply between Bhubaneswar and Rourkela during World Cup Hockey
Apart from this, Five Regular Trains are running in this Route
Big opportunity and facility for Hockey Lovers between Bhubaneswar and Rourkela
Keeping in view the demands and additional rush of passengers during FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 scheduled to be held in January’2023 at Bhubaneswar and Rourkela; it has been decided to run Special Train services for the convenience of passengers, especially Hockey lovers.
02834 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela Special will leave from Bhubaneswar at 2025hrs  on every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday from 14th to 30th January 2023.
In the return direction, 02833 Rourkela-Bhubaneswar Special will leave from Rourkela at 2325hrs  on every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday from 15th to 31st January 2023.
This train will have One AC-2 Tier, Three AC-3 Tier, Eight Sleeper Class, Four Second Class Seating and Two Guard cum Luggage Vans in its composition having stoppages at Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Talcher Road, Angul, Rairakhol, Sambalpur City, Jharsuguda and Rajagangpur between Bhubaneswar-Rourkela from both the directions.
02836/02835 Puri-Rourkela-Puri Hockey Special will run daily from 14th to 31st January 2023. This train will leave Puri at 0515hrs  and will reach at Rourkela at 1245hrs . In the return direction, this train from Rourkela will leave at 1330hrs  and will reach at Puri at 2230hrs .
This train will have Two AC-3 Tier, Three Sleeper Class, Six Second Class Seating and Two Guard cum Luggage and Generator Car in its composition having stoppages at Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Naraj Marthapur, Dhenkanal, Talcher Road, Angul, Rairakhol, Sambalpur City, Jharsuguda and Rajagangpur between Puri and Rourkela.
Apart from this, 02832/02831 Bhubaneswar-Dhanbad-Bhubaneswar Special is also leaving from Bhubaneswar on every Tuesday, Friday & Sunday and also leaving from Dhanbad on every Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays.
Similarly, Rourkela-Gunupur-Rourkela Rajyarani Express, Puri-Yog Nagari Rishikesh Kalinga Utkal Express, Puri-Hatia Tapaswini Express, Bhubaneswar-Rourkela-Bhubaneswar Inter City Express, Puri-Rourkela-Puri Express trains are running daily connecting Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
Apart from the above, Services of Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express and Bhubaneswar-Anand Vihar Express Trains are also available between Bhubaneswar and Rourkela on weekly basis.
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Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles demise of Professor M. S. Narasimhan
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the demise of Professor M. S. Narasimhan.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said,
"Professor M. S. Narasimhan will be remembered as an exemplary mathematician, who made a phenomenal impact worldwide. He also made a mark for his work beyond mathematics. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti."
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Central govt is concerned with the problems of public and doing everything for their benefit - MoS Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti
Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Public Distribution and Rural Development Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti interacted with the beneficiaries of various central government schemes in Jalandhar, today.
The Minister, who is here on a three-day visit, assured them of all the required help from the Central govt.
She said the central government is concerned with the problems being faced by the general public and to help them in all possible way, funds are being directly transferred in their accounts. Govt is keeping an eye on the distribution of the required material, food grains, rashan etc. so that it should be distributed as per the norms of the government. About 200 beneficiaries attended the progarmme which was held at the Red Cross Bhawan.
She said the Prime Minister has done everything to bring back our children from Ukraine and even of neighboring country Pakistan. She said during Covid, the central government has stood by its poor citizens in providing them all required facilities and vaccination to all. She specifically asked the beneficiaries whether they are getting the benefits as per central government norms or not.
Many beneficiaries shared their experience with the minister and thanked the government for taking care of them under various central government schemes.
Under MGNREGA, she said the central government is not making any cuts in the wages. The government is keeping an eye so that corruption should not reek into the scheme.
The Minister said that she has got the information that empaneled hospitals under Ayushman Yojna are not giving treatment to poor people. She warned that action would be taken against those after getting full information for which she has asked the concerned committee of the district officials here.
As per records, 53, 809 metric tonne of wheat has been distributed amongst the beneficiaries of PMGKAY from May 2021 to March, 2022 in Jalandhar district. Whereas, 71165 beneficiaries are bring benefited under Ujjwala Yojna, 10, 666 accounts have been opened under PM Mudra Yojna and over 9268 lakh rupees have been disbursed. Similarly, 11500 beneficiaries have been provided services under Atal Pension Yojna.
Ministry of Tourism
International Day of Yoga 202 Theme: Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
Recognizing the importance of Yoga, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. The proposal was introduced by Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji in his address at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. The International Day of Yoga is an opportunity to romote the benefits of yoga and raise awareness of the practice . I t i s als o a ti me celebrate the rich cultural heritage of India. This year's theme for the International Day of Yoga 2023 is 'Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'
Under the theme of 'Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,' this year's International Day of Yoga aims to emphasize the importance of unity and interconnectedness
among individuals and communities. Yoga, a holisti c practi ce th at integrat physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, promotes harmony and peace within oneself and with the world.
As part of the IDY celebrations, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India Bengaluru offi in association with M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences  Bengaluru, is celebrating the International Day of Yoga 2023 on 21s June 2023 at Dwaraka Auditorium, RUAS, Bengaluru, from 8 am to 10 am.
More than 500 yoga enthusiasts have registered for the said event in Bengaluru. Dr. Kambhampati Subrahmanyam, Advisor to the Chancellor, -VYASA , Shri. Mohamed Farouk, Director, Ministry of Tourism, Prof. Kuldeep Kumar Raina, VC, RUAS, and offic e bearer s o f touris m stakeholder s will b addressing the gathering
Ministry of Textiles
Mandatory packaging norms provide for 100% reservation of the foodgrains and 20% of sugar to be compulsorily packed in jute bags
Reservation norms for Jute Packaging Materials for Jute Year 2021-22 under JPM Act, 1987
Provides direct employment to 3.7 lakh workers and 40 lakh farmers in the Jute Sector
This decision would further the interest of domestic production of raw jute and jute packaging material in India, thereby making India self-reliant
Government purchases Jute sacking bags worth Rs. 8,000 Cr. every year, ensuring guaranteed market for the produce of Jute farmers and workers
Government under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved Reservation norms for mandatory use of jute in packaging for the Jute Year 2021-22 . The mandatory packaging norms approved for Jute Year 2021-22 provide for 100% reservation of the foodgrains and 20% of sugar to be compulsorily packed in jute bags.
The Jute industry occupies an important place in the national economy of India in general and Eastern Region in particular i.e. West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is one of the major industries in the eastern region, particularly in West Bengal.
The reservation norms under the Jute Packaging Material Act  provide for direct employment to 3.7 lakh workers and 40 lakh farmers in the Jute Sector. JPM Act, 1987 protects the interest of Jute farmers, workers and persons engaged in jute goods’ production. 75% of the total production of the Jute Industry is Jute Sacking Bags of which 90% is supplied to the Food Corporation of India  and State Procurement Agencies  and remaining is exported/sold directly
Government purchases Jute sacking bags worth approximately Rs. 8,000 Cr. every year, for packing of foodgrains, hence ensures guaranteed market for the produce of Jute Farmers and Workers. Average Production of Jute Sacking Bags is about 30 lakhs bales  and Government is committed to ensure complete take off of the sacking production of the jute bags in order to protect the interest of Jute farmers, workers and persons engaged in the Jute Industry.
The reservation norms in present proposal would further the interest of domestic production of raw jute and jute packaging material in India, thereby, making India self-reliant in consonance with Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Reservation for packaging in jute packaging material consumed around 66.57% of the raw jute produced in the country . It will help protect the environment because jute is natural, biodegradable, renewable & reusable fibre and hence fulfills all sustainability parameters.
Ministry of Finance
Pilot Launch of International Bullion Exchange – The Gateway for Bullion Imports
Shri Injeti Srinivas, Chairperson, International Financial Services Centres Authority , launched the pilot run/soft launch here today. The International Bullion Exchange is scheduled to go live on October 1, 2021 the Foundation Day of IFSCA.
Following the announcement by Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in Union Budget 2020-21, the International Financial Services Centres Authority  Regulations, 2020 were notified on December 11, 2020 which inter alia cover the Bullion Exchange, Clearing Corporation, Depository and Vaults. Government has also taken steps to notify bullion spot trading and bullion depository receipts with underlying bullion as financial products and bullion related services as financial services.
The International Bullion Exchange shall be the “Gateway for Bullion Imports into India”, wherein all the bullion imports for domestic consumption shall be channelized through the exchange. The exchange ecosystem is expected to bring all the market participants at a common transparent platform for bullion trading and provide an efficient price discovery, assurance in the quality of gold, enable greater integration with other segments of financial markets and help establish India’s position as a dominant trading hub in the World.
Pursuant to Memorandum of Understanding between National Stock Exchange of India Limited , the Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited , India INX International Exchange  Limited , National Securities Depository Limited , Central Depository Services  Limited , the holding company India International Bullion Holding IFSC Ltd.  has been created for setting up and operationalising International Bullion Exchange, Bullion Clearing Corporation and Bullion Depository in IFSC, GIFT City.
The IFSCA has approved the application by the Holding Company for setting up the International Bullion Exchange through the subsidiary of the holding company, “India International Bullion Exchange IFSC Ltd.”, encompassing the Bullion Exchange and the Bullion Clearing Corporation.
CDSL-IFSC, a foreign depository has been designated as the Bullion Depository for the Bullion Exchange responsible for managing the Vault Manager.
Ministry of Finance
Allocation of funds to States under ANBP and PMGKP
The Government has made a provision of Rs. 40,000 crore under MGNREGA Scheme through Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package  to provide employment to the needy workers, in addition to allocation of Rs. 61,500 crore under MGNREGA for Financial Year 2020-21. This was stated by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package , the Government paid 12% employers’ share and 12% employees’ share under Employees’ Provident Fund , totalling 24% for three wage months from March to May, 2020 for all the establishments
having up to 100 employees with 90% of such employees earning less than Rs. 15,000 monthly wage. The package was extended for another 3 wage months i.e., for the wage months of June to August, 2020 under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package.
Further, funds for self-employed groups has been provided under the National Rural Livelihood Mission , the Minister stated.